A comparison of engagement and interaction among university distance learning students

Abstract

When facilitating instruction in distance learning environments, educators are presented with challenges in student motivation and development of community. We used a mixed-method approach to analyse the interaction patterns and quality of discussion among distance learning college students who used two different course tools to complete assignments. Six patterns of discussion emerged from the posts: agreement, disagreement, countering, belief, statement, and re-state. We used a five-point scale to assess the quality of students’ posts. The student posts from VoiceThread™ (VT) assignments had higher quality scores and higher frequency of countering and belief statements. Whereas, the student posts from discussion board (DB) assignments had lower quality scores and a higher frequency of re-statement and agree statements. Student feedback regarding the use of the VT tool was positive. Additional analysis of using the VT tool with different types of assignments and in other online courses is necessary.